Common Rare

The weekly read for frugal collectors

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Sep 26, 2026

I bought my grail at the height of the market

Why you need to ignore sound advice sometimes in order to build a collection you're proud of

Sep 22, 2026

The 30th Celebration set finally broke the market. What is trending down and why you should buy now

Now is the time to buy the Pokemon TCG sealed and singles you want

Sep 11, 2026

The Pokémon TCG Market Is at Its Dip. Here's What to Buy Right Now.

Chaos Rising booster boxes near MSRP, Perfect Order under MSRP, and why the 30th Anniversary set changes the math.

Sep 10, 2026

Beginner's Guide to Collecting Pokémon Cards on a Budget

A beginner's guide to collecting Pokémon cards on a budget

Sep 10, 2026

Should You Grade This Pokémon Card? A Pre-Submission Checklist

A pre-submission checklist for whether a Pokémon card is actually worth grading with PSA

Mar 24, 2026

Grading Each Set in the Mega Evolutions Block

The issue where we give the Pokemon Company a grade for each Mega Evolution set so far.

Feb 26, 2026

How to Build a Pokémon Collection on a Budget

Learn how to build a Pokémon card collection on a budget — from raw singles and sealed product strategy to PSA grading, sourcing tips, and monthly spending rules.

Feb 25, 2026

How to Evaluate a New Pokémon Set Before You Buy

Not every Pokémon set is worth your money. Here's the exact framework I use to evaluate new releases — chase cards, set depth, artwork, and market timing.

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